Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1983 Freightliner C.O.E. — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 6 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
6
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BRACKET WELDS MAY CRACK UNDER CERTAIN STEERING LOAD CONDITIONS.
Consequence
STEERING CONTROL WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED WITHPOTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF TRUCK CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BRACKET WITH A REDESIGNED BRACKET.
Defect
CORROSION OF THE GRABHANDLE AT ITS MOUNTING SURFACE MAY LEAD TO CRACKING OR LOSS OF STRENGTH.
Consequence
FAILURE OF GRABHANDLE DURING USE COULD RESULT INPERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
REPLACE GRABHANDLE AND ITS FASTENER WITH IMPROVED GRABHANDLE; ALSO, INSTALL GASKET BETWEEN THE HANDLE AND AIR STARTER RESERVOIR.
Defect
THE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER MOTOR SPEED CONTROL RESISTORS CAN UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS OVERHEAT AND STALL.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN LOW AIR FLOW ACROSS THE RESISTORNETWORK AND HIGH AMPERAGE, ALLOWING THE AIR DUCT TO REACH ELEVATED TEMPERATURESWITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE.
Remedy
INSTALL A THERMO CUTOFF DEVICE IN THE HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM AND/OR REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH.
Defect
THE HANDHOLD MOUNTING SYSTEM, WHICH CONSISTS OF A TUBULAR HANDLE HELD IN THREE PLACES BY CAST ALUMINUM BRACKETS AND ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE EXHAUST MUFFLER HEAT SHIELD. VIBRATION FROM THIS SYSTEM CAUSES THE HANDHOLD PARTS TO WEAR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THE PARTS WEAR THIN THE POSSIBILITY EXISTS THAT THE HANDHOLD MIGHT GIVE WAY UNDER THE WEIGHT OF A DRIVER. THIS COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
REPLACE THE END BRACKETS WITH A MODIFIED DESIGN UTILIZING A RUBBER ISOLATER. ALSO, ADD A PLASTIC SLEEVE TO THE CENTER BRACKET FOR ISOLATION.
Defect
CRACKS CAN DEVELOP IN THE OIL FILTER MOUNTING BRACKETS NEAR THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE BRACKETS TO THE FRAME SIDE MEMBER. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF CRACKS PROGRESS TO THE POINT OF FAILURE, THE FILTER ASSEMBLY COULD FALL OUT AND POSSIBLY BE STRUCK BY OTHER VEHICLES CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
BRACKETS WILL BE REPLACED WITH IMPROVED DESIGN BRACKETS.
Defect
THE TUBES PROVIDED AS HANDHOLDS MAY CRACK OR FRACTURE WHERE THE STEPS AND ATTACHING BRACKETS ARE JOINED.
Remedy
COMPLETE STEP AND HANDHOLD SYSTEMS WILL BE REPLACED WITHOUT CHARGE.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 6 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 1983 Freightliner C.O.E.. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.